NEW THINGS TO DO

The Pines recently opened in downtown Sevierville as an entertainment venue in the building that once housed The Pines Theater, the site of Dolly Parton’s first paying gig. In the 1940s, it screened movies by day and staged live entertainment at night. A new mural on the building showcases five legends who performed there: Roy Acuff, June Carter Cash, Archie Campbell, Chet Atkins, and Dolly Parton. Today’s entertainment includes duckpin bowling, bocce ball, giant Jenga, Dutch shuffleboard, nostalgic video games, board games, snookball, and more. Chef David Rule’s menu features pub favorites like loaded tots, chicken wings, fried pickles, quesadillas, and burgers.

SkyLand Ranch is an amusement and theme park with fun for all ages. Its ‘Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster’ is the longest of its kind in the U.S. at over 1.25 miles. Situated on 100 acres across from Tanger Outlets Sevierville, it also offers a chairlift, miniature animals, Western games, food and drinks, amazing views, retail barns, and more.

Xperia: Ocean Journey recently opened in Sevierville with an immersive cinematic experience that transports guests to the depths of the ocean. Watch in awe as giant squid battle, then interact with playful sea otters all while learning about the wonders of Earth’s oceans. Xperia is located at Tanger Outlets Sevierville, so it’s a great family attraction to enjoy while shopping.

Wilderness at the Smokies, has recently added an eight-person XD Theater - the ultimate interactive 3-D adventure ride game allowing guests to play video games battling against zombies, ninjas or robot bandits, as their seats move, dip, and dive with the action. The popular resort has also expanded its Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark, adding nearly 40,000 square feet. New elements will include a three-story water coaster featuring the world’s first slide with Reverse AquaLucent effects; a lazy river tunnel with color-changing lighting, mirrors, and projections; a rooftop ‘lagoon’ with a glass edge; a rooftop bar and grill; and a new entertainment stage area. The waterpark will add 500 seats and 18 new cabanas. The resort has also added an indoor suspended coaster that will be the first of its kind in Tennessee and one of only eight in the world. The resort’s dining options will also be revamped.

Bu-cee’s , the Texas-based roadside stop known for its extensive gas pumps, clean bathrooms, variety of snacks, and clever billboards has built a new location that ranks as one of the world’s largest convenience stores! The flagship Buc-ee’s Family Travel Center sprawls 74,000 square feet and anchors a 200-acre development planned for Exit 407 off I-40, one of the nation’s most traveled roads. The new Sevierville Buc-ee’s boasts 120 fuel pumps (as well as several EV stations), a 250-foot car wash, and lots of Buc-ee’s staples including Texas barbecue, homemade fudge, and Beaver Nuggets. It occupies land owned by Kituwah, LLC and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who are also looking into developing shops, restaurants, a world-class golf attraction, go-cart facility, and distillery experience at what’s dubbed “The 407: Gateway to Adventure.”

Kids of all ages will have a blast operating real construction equipment at this new theme park recently opened in 2024. Attractions at Dig N’ Zone include themed rides and retro-fitted equipment such as skid-steers, excavators, pavement rollers, articulating loaders, forklifts, a dump truck ride, dueling diggers, an excavator spinner and more. Fun photos opportunities will be found throughout as well – from giant tires to huge bucket scoops!

NEW PLACES TO EAT & DRINK

Red’s Soda Fountain and Ice Cream is a blast from the past serving up craft sodas, ice cream, and more in historic Downtown Sevierville. This charming 1940s-inspired soda fountain pays homage to Red’s Cafe, which previously operated in the building across the street from the current establishment. For ice cream connoisseurs and Dolly fans alike, Red’s Cafe is often connected with Dolly Parton, who frequented the cafe as a small child. Today, Red’s Soda Fountain offers delicious hand-dipped scoops in 14 flavors of locally made ice cream plus hand-mixed sodas, phosphates, milkshakes, malts, sundaes, and more. Be sure to also pick up one of their delicious grab & go food offerings made daily from the nearby restaurant, Seasons 101.

Iron Forge Brewing Company, with views of the Little Pigeon River, offers a variety of brews crafted by award-winning brewmaster Herus Schultz alongside a lunch and dinner menu of pub favorites like pretzels, beer cheese, and smash burgers. With 30 taps, the beer selection aims to offer something for every palate, from lagers to stouts, ales to IPAs, wheat beers to sours. Seasonal brews will be poured alongside popular year-round favorites. The full-service bar will also offer wine and cocktails.

Junction 35 Spirits, a popular local distillery and eatery, opened a second location at Tanger Outlets Sevierville in 2023. Its lineup of over 37 different spirits is the largest variety produced by a distillery in the Smokies. Over 90 percent of the smooth spirits available at the Sevierville location will be produced on site. Lunch and dinner options include smoked ribs, wings, and burgers. Spirit tastings are $5 (waived for dine-in guests) and feature a rotating roster of eight spirits. The craft cocktail bar offers creations like the ‘Smoky Mountain Campfire,’ a mix of its award-winning bourbon, toasted marshmallow syrup, whipped cream, and wisps of smoke.

Pinchy’s Lobster & Beer Co., in downtown Sevierville, is a restaurant and beer garden. The menu presents Northeastern favorites like lobster rolls, clam chowder, fried clams, and lobster mac & cheese alongside New England-style beers from Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island plus a selection of regional brews. The large dog-friendly outdoor seating area includes cozy fire pits, corn hole boards and a stage for weekend concerts.

NEW PLACES TO STAY

The Davis , originally opened as The Davis in the 1920s and was family-owned and operated for many years. After serving a stint as a funeral home, the building is being renovated as a 9 bedroom, 6 bathroom luxury vacation rental featuring a game room, private pool and hot tub. It is within steps of Downtown Sevierville’s restaurants & bars, making it the perfect spot for large gatherings, weddings, or family vacations.

The Lodges at Reedmont is a new 177-unit cabin development on a wooded 112-acre plot with views of Mt. LeConte near Wilderness at the Smokies, Soaky Mountain, and The Sevierville Golf Club. The modern cabins will range in size from two to ten bedrooms, several will have basement pools, and many will be dog-friendly. Guest amenities will include walking trails.

Sanctuary Treehouse Resort recently opened and soon aims to be the largest treehouse resort in the world. Nestled on 40 acres, it promises a lodging experience like no other with three different types of treehouse rentals. While already a jaw dropping lodging experience, the resort will soon include an enchanted forest, walking trails, scavenger hunt, in-ground outdoor hot tub, and other surprises. Individual treehouses boast slides, rope climbs, escape hatches, secret ladders, and more.

Wilderness at the Smokies recent addition of 12 three-bedroom villas that will each sleep up to 12 people has provided larger families more options for staying at the waterpark resort. Each villa is 2,600 square feet and includes an electric fireplace, game room with pool table, and comfortable furnishings. In 2024, the resort will open its first treehouse cabins, entertainment cabins, and four-bedroom cabins.